Prep football: Week 6 preview capsules for every Marin team

Outlook: The Wildcats enter the contest with the momentum, having romped over Terra Linda 56-3 last week. Justin, on the other hand, looked far from impressive in a 12-7 loss to San Marin. But the Braves beat Redwood the week before and MC isn't taking anything for granted. "It's always a physical, tough game with them," Wildcats coach Ken Peralta said. "It's two Catholic high schools playing each other and I think that brings out the best in us." Whichever team wins the battle in the trenches will likely have the upper hand. The battle to watch may be MC running back Nico Dumont carrying the ball upfield against Justin defensive end Justin Clayton. Dumont has gotten some looks from D-I programs, while Clayton has already verbally committed to Washington State.

Calistoga (1-4, 0-1) at Tomales (2-2, 1-0)

Friday, 7:30 p.m., Tomales

Outlook: The Braves and Wildcats both like to run the ball, but in different ways. Tomales pounds the ball with its power rushing attack led by Stan Moody (466 yards, seven TDs). Calistoga, on the other hand, runs a spread option offense that relies on speed and athleticism from its skill players. Calistoga led Rincon Valley Christian 13-0 in the third quarter last week coughing up its advantage and falling 28-13. "(Calistoga) brought a lot of new skill people back," Tomales coach Leon Feliciano said. "Their linemen have good size and their skill guys are quick."

Redwood (3-1, 0-1) at Terra Linda (0-5, 0-2)

Saturday, 1 p.m., Terra Linda

Outlook: The winless Trojans play their first home game after their original home opener against Novato was moved because construction of new bleachers at Terra Linda was not finished. TL coach Tim Bosque said he has been assured the field will be ready for Saturday. Trojans QB Chris Migdal also might be ready for limited action after a bout with mononucleosis. Migdal has been throwing this week, but has not taken part in full practices. If Migdal plays, he would share duties with Dan Higgins, who became the No. 1 quarterback when his brother Sean suffered a knee injury Saturday. Sean Higgins was scheduled for an MRI exam on the knee early Friday. Redwood, which is coming off a 48-14 victory over Ygnacio Valley, will look to take advantage of a TL defense which has allowed 56 points in each of its past two games. The game is broadcast on the Web at kbcsports.com.

Drake (3-1, 0-1) at Novato (3-2, 2-0)

Saturday, 1 p.m., Novato

Outlook: There has been nary a chink in the Hornets' armor since two losses to open the season. Novato has outscored its three most recent opponents - St. Ignatius, Terra Linda and San Rafael - by an average score of 53-5 and is excelling in all three phases of the game, be it passing (Jeff Stephens), rushing (Kyle Campas and Ricardo Mendez) or receiving (Jacob Davis). Drake started fast, winning its first three games before running into the buzz saw that is Tam. To make matters worse, the Pirates lost quarterback Cory Bostjancic (broken collarbone) for the season. Alec Kenilvort will start in his place.

Tam (4-0) at Castlemont (2-1-1)

Saturday, 1 p.m., Oakland

Outlook: A week after stunning the MCAL with a 39-3 win over Drake, Tam is faced with perhaps its biggest challenge yet at home against Castlemont High of Oakland. "At our Monday meeting we said we needed to refocus and let (the win against the Pirates) go," Red-tailed Hawks coach Tony Keefer said. The Knights like to run the ball with playmakers Juvonte Owens (76 carries, 452 yards, two touchdowns), Jakari Johnson (20-103-1) and Aaron Home (9-267-5), who is also Castlemont's leading receiver with nine catches for 223 yards and three touchdowns. The Knights run several offensive formations, so the Hawks defense will draw on its experience against earlier opponents Kennedy and Galileo, both of whom also runs numerous offensive schemes. Offensively, Tam will come at Castlemont equally with backs Bobby Burton (61-383-6) and Colton Danz (33-301-4). Keefer will look for quarterback Alex Ritchie to build on his strong 129-yard performance against Drake, which was helped by the Hawks coaching staff simplifying the passing game.

San Rafael (0-4, 0-1) at San Marin (1-3, 1-1)

Saturday, 1 p.m., San Marin

Outlook: San Rafael and San Marin are coming off two completely different MCAL games. San Rafael was trounced 66-15 at the hands of Novato in its MCAL opener on Saturday. San Marin stopped Justin-Siena at the Mustangs 1-yard line as time expired to preserve a 12-7 win in Napa on Oct. 3. "The guys really learned that we can operate as a team and do well even if we mess up in one area," San Marin coach Kevin Goyer said. One bright spot for San Rafael has been quarterback Connor Loughlin, who as competed 42 of 82 passes for 523 yards and five touchdowns. San Marin employs a moderate pass rush and focuses on not letting Bulldogs receivers get behind the secondary. Offensively, Goyer said Dylan Keller will continue to get the bulk of the carries, with Kyle Stanfel and Ryan Riboli getting some touches as well. With some help from his receiving corps, San Marin quarterback Tyler Lelis will need to improve on his 2-11 performance against the Braves.